Connect with us

General

Another Double win for African Film and Oral Literature

Published

on

The month of October 2014 ended on a spectacular note when the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) held a double book launch for two of her enormous army of prolific academics and writers. The audience, most of who had to brave the afternoon downpour on 31st October 2014 to make it in time was kept entertained by Mengo Senior School students’ recitals of Kanemu Kanabiri, Mpenkoni and many other traditional play songs as derived from Dr. Aaron Mushengyezi’s Oral Literature for Children book. On the other hand Sr. Dr. Dominica Dipio’s book Gender Terrains in African Cinema left the audience more appreciative than ever of the power mothers wield over the African film industry and society in general.

In her enthusiastic welcome address Dr. Susan Kiguli, Head-Department of Literature, CHUSS commended everyone for sparing time to attend the launch, especially the Chief Guest Mr. James Tumusiime-Chairman of Fountain Group and her own aunt Mrs. Sheila Goa who at 86 years of age was still sharp and sprightly. She further thanked Mr. Tumusiime for not only accepting her invitation but also actually taking time to read the books, “Our unanimous response was we are going to have a Guest of Honour who has actually read the books” she said, much to the amusement of the audience, before hastening to add “Of course we did not expect less but we are also happy that our judgment was as our students say ‘spot on’.”

Oral Literature for Children by Aaron Mushengyezi launched 31st October 2014, Makerere UniversityShe thanked the African Humanities Program (AHP) supported by the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) and Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY) for ensuring that Dr. Aaron Mushengyezi and Sr. Dr. Dominica Dipio published their books. “I want to welcome and warmly congratulate our authors for this landmark achievement and for ensuring that our Department’s name stays on the sparkling pedestal,” said Dr. Kiguli, directly addressing the authors. She also commended Prof. Austin Bukenya and Dr. Consolata Kabonesa for their moving reviews of Dr. Mushengyezi’s and Dr. Dipio’s books respectively, as published in the New Vision newspaper of 30th and 31st October 2014.

Associate Professor Aaron Mushengyezi is the Dean-School of Languages, Literature and Communication, CHUSS, a book author and editor who has won several awards from the International Scholarship Programme of the Ford Foundation, the African Humanities Program (AHP). His latest book Oral Literature for Children: Rethinking Orality, Literacy, Performance and Documentation Practices seeks to take the oldest form of communicating traditional cultural values and information to the next level.

“We have recognized the value that these texts for young people play. They embody the cherished cultural values of hard work, respect for each other, and charity as well as numeracy skills. These texts also have a role to play in promoting social relationships and sometimes even teaching children their gender roles and relationships, which help our children to stay focused on what society expects of them as mature men and women” shared Dr. Mushengyezi. He further intimated that the current uncertainty surrounding our sexuality and whom we should marry or not could be attributed to an extinction of cultural values which were previously handed down by traditional oral literature.

Gender Terrains in African Cinema by Dominica Dipio launched on 31st October 2014, Makerere University, Kampala UgandaDr. Mushengyezi emphasized the need to work more with culture-based industries so as to get the traditional texts to provide educational value in our schools. He commended Mr. James Tumusiime whose efforts through Fountain Publishers and Igongo Cultural Centre have gone a long way in promoting local cultural practice and conservation. He challenged the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to invest in the promotion of culture-based industries through support to cultural tourism and traditional resources marketing. He also challenged Mr. James Tumusiime to consider having local publications of the books done through Fountain Publishers so as to reduce on their cost and improve their availability. He paid special tribute to his wife, children, family and Makerere University for the support that had enabled him complete the book.

Dr. Okot Benge is a Lecturer in the Department of Literature, CHUSS whose writing also neatly straddles both gender and oral literature aspects. As the moderator for this particular session of the day, he sent the audience doubling over when he recollected Prof. Austin Bukenya’s experience, who when asked for his publications prior to promotion to the rank of Senior Lecturer returned with a sack load of books, and even inquired if those would suffice! The evergreen Prof. Bukenya took it all smilingly and on assuming his position at the podium, and as has now become his pre-address tradition, started off with a recital of William Wordsworth’s 19th Century poem My Heart leaps when I behold.

He profusely thanked Dr. Aaron Mushengyezi for “bringing back his youth” through his book, whose review he had felt very privileged to write. Recollecting two childhood memories; i) Njabala – the last folktale his late mother shared with him before her passing and ii) Rosa Nyanzira – his first girlfriend whose storytelling charmed the then four year old Austin, Prof. Bukenya commended the author for exquisitely blending these special memories into one awe-inspiring publication.

Prof. Bukenya shared that he felt both gratified and shamed when he read the book, for in one shot, Dr. Mushengyezi had struck down the targets that he (Prof. Bukenya) had been taking aim at since 1968, when as a graduate student he was assigned the task of systemizing oral literature at Makerere under the guidance of Pio Zirimu.  “You brought this process to a new level by showing us what can be done all the way from collection, from transcription, from translation to interpretation, and this starts a very useful scholarly discussion,” said Prof. Bukenya.

L-R: Ms. Cindy Magara, Dr. Cornelius Wambi Gulere, Prof. Austin Bukenya and Dr. Susan Kiguli at the book launch, 31st October 2014, Makerere University, Kampala UgandaHe shared that this book brought out the richness of our multilingual culture “This book really enables us to share and if you want to appreciate it, read it in the original text and only read the translated one thereafter” he said.  He advised that reading the book this way, we would gain a greater appreciation of how much similarity our languages share. “You have given us a comparative approach of the various rhymes which we can find in our languages” added Prof. Bukenya. He thanked Ms. Emily Drani, Executive Director, Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda for promoting the Nation’s non-tangible culture. “The Arts that make us human are not useless and I will say that loudly and proudly” concluded Prof. Bukenya.

Associate Professor Dominica Dipio the second author of the day is a former Fulbright Research Fellowship and African Humanities Program Fellow who has initiated and coordinated a number of projects such as the Makerere-Bergen Folklore project. Dr. Dipio is a videographer with thirteen titles of both full and short length films to her credit. She has over thirty academic journals and book chapters to her name, her most recent publication being Gender Terrains in African Cinema.

“I came into contact with Film as a Graduate student at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 1999. At that time it was being taken as a window into the African world; that is for the outsider and not for the Africa,” said Dr. Dipio in giving a brief background of her inspiration. She defended her choice of Francophone films dating from 1970-2000 for her research because France’s colonial policy supported cultural engagement, which led to a flourishing film industry. “However, a similar process as I have done could be undertaken by students and scholars in East Africa because filmmaking in the region is becoming a very serious engagement” she challenged.

In her analysis of the films, she took inspiration from one African filmmaker who observed that “Evolution is not possible without women’s active involvement and that is especially true of the Arab world. The Arab man has given all he can and his achievements aren’t great. Maybe the Arab woman can reinvent the world… when I look at my mother; I see that her intelligence is intact. She hasn’t had a chance to use it” she read in quoting. Dr. Dipio’s Gender Terrains in African Cinema offers a logical analysis of whether these filmmakers and critics actually “walk the talk” in their films. She was therefore happy to discover that the filmmakers made commendable efforts at representing women and gender issues in a way that challenged the status quo.

Prof. Ruth Mukama (Right), Mrs. Sheila Goa, NAADS ED-Dr. Samuel Mugasi, Mengo Senior School students and several other distinguished lovers of literature graced the launch on 31st October 2014, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

“Since political and administrative powers lay mostly in the hands of men, women’s emancipation can only be effective with the active participation of men alongside the women; men in this respect need to equally be the target of male and female discourses. The turnaround made by mainstream men to join the direction of struggle for women’s emancipation against gender based violence always led to very positive results“observed Dr. Dipio. She recognized Ms. Gorettie Bamwanga among many others in the audience for their exceptional role in mentoring young women. Ms. Bamwanga is the author of Footmarks – a book profiling 100 pioneering Ugandan women.

The moderator Dr. Okot Benge was at it once again while introducing Dr. Consolata Kabonesa, Dean-School of Women and Gender Studies (WGS) and reviewer of Gender Terrains in African Cinema. Describing her as the “most amiable scholar I know who is widely published on the subject of women and gender studies”, Dr. Benge managed to elicit that warmth from Dr. Kabonesa that literally made waves as it radiated across the room. “When I started reading the book, all I could keep saying to myself was wow! Dr. Dipio deserves to be in the School of Women and Gender Studies because she tackled gender issues so well” enthused Dr. Kabonesa in her opening statements.

Dr. Consolata Kabonesa, Dean-WGS, reviewd Gender Terrains in African CinemaDr. Kabonesa commended Sister Dipio for making the often-silenced girl child talk speak out through her well scripted narratives in the book. “We don’t see this in the film but in Sr. Dipio’s analysis of the gender terrains in cinema” she observed. She commended Dr. Dipio for highlighting the vital role played by mothers in streamlining gender identities and leveling out gender inequalities in society, “it is we the mothers who actually make these young men who they are and so if we start early with them, we will be able to advance this cause.” She further noted that Sr. Dipio attains a number of goals by representing the various categories of women, engaging them in discourse and critiquing their positions through the lenses of class and age range. “This she attains by weaving in and out of this generation to the other, this class to the next which makes for very interesting reading. You need to read it” commended Dr. Kabonesa.  

Dr. Patrick Mangeni is not only the Head-Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF), CHUSS but also a recognized author of books, poetry and prose. As the country grappled with averting the rapid spread of the HIV scourge in the late 1980s, Fountain Publishers came up with the FFF (Fact, Fiction and Facilitation) project to reach out to the youth. To help develop the Fiction component, Fountain Publishers turned to Makerere University and Dr. Mangeni was one of the authors who tremendously contributed to this project.

Introducing the day’s Guest of Honour, Dr. Mangeni commended Mr. Tumusiime for not only supporting Ugandan and regional authors but also helping to revitalize the University Bookshop in 1996. “We appreciate the Guest of Honour for being innovative and not being afraid to take on challenges. You know what the publishing industry is like but I can proudly say that Fountain Publishers is the leading publisher in this country and it has not been by mistake but by effort, determination and being able to take on risky ventures,” extolled Dr. Mangeni.

Mr. James Tumusiime, Chairman-Fountain Group was the Guest of Honour at the Double book launch on 31st October 2014, Makerere University, Kampala UgandaThe Guest of Honour Mr. James Tumusiime despite the praise heaped upon him managed to make to the podium and graciously thank the Literature Department for honoring him with the invitation. He chose not to bask in this limelight alone but rather chose to share it with his Publishing Manger-Dr. Tom Tibaijuka, and Wordsmith and Editor-Mr. Julius Ocwyino among other Fountain Group staff present. He expressed his delight at being associated with Makerere University Authors especially the day’s guests; Sr. Dr. Dominica Dipio-who has relentlessly contributes to Fountain Publishers’ Madi publications and Dr. Aaron Mushengyezi who co-edited the bilingual Runyankore/Rukiga-English Dictionary.

“I wish to thank you the two authors for elevating seemingly simple subjects of folktales and cinema to the intellectual realm of scholarly work and I hope they are going to trigger debate and discussion so that we see more and more books tackling these important subjects” remarked Mr. Tumusiime. To illustrate the important role played by mothers in African society, Mr. Tumusiime drew inspiration from Rwanda during the era of Kingdoms where a King never took to the throne without the presence of a mother. Similarly he reflected on the example of Ankole where the King was kept in check by a mother’s belt, which if used to sound the royal drum meant that the King had to commit suicide.

Mr. Julius Ocwyino-Fountain Publishers (L) and Dr. Patrick Mangeni, Head-PAF, CHUSS attended the Double Book Launch on 31st October 2014, Makerere University, Kampala UgandaCommenting on the current Sciences versus Arts debate, Mr. Tumusiime labeled as “saddening” the current disinformation about the role played by humanities in societal development. He urged scholars to create a lobby group and work with the media to request for an audience with the leadership. “There is science that can develop and liberate our economies but we cannot neglect our own culture, thinking and humanities, and sacrifice them at this altar of science” counseled the Guest of Honour. “We all aspire to be like the developed countries but wherever you have Isaac Newton being celebrated, there is Shakespeare on the side and although science has advanced over the years, Shakespeare is still with us” he said to resounding applause. “And so let us contextualize this debate properly” added Mr. Tumusiime.

He commended Ms. Emily Drani and Artists from the Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Arts (MTSIFA), CEDAT for their contribution to the successful establishment of the Igongo Cultural Centre, Mbarara. “The museum (centre) was part of that expression of another form of delivering content. Museums and cultural tourism in the world have an annual turnover of 1trillion Dollars compared to Nature tourism. So culture, literature, cinematography and museums are very important assets for this country and we should nurture them” urged Mr. Tumusiime.

Dr. James Ocita a Lecturer in the Department of Literature moved the day’s vote of thanks and commended Fountain Publishers and Mr. James Tumusiime for improving the reading culture in Uganda. He also commended the Fountain Group for setting up the Fountain Living Youth Series which had mentored a number of young writers such as him and honed their writing skills. He thanked The New Vision, Makerere University, Mengo Senior School, FEMRITE and other entities and individuals for making the launch a success. The day’s proceedings were ably emceed by Dr. Danson Kahyana.

 

Article by Public Relations Office

 

Mark Wamai

Continue Reading

General

Strengthening South-South Academic Partnerships: Makerere University and Binary University Chart a Strategic Path for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Women’s Leadership

Published

on

A group photo from the left; Puan Sri Datin, Prof. Dr. Rohini Devi, Tan Sri Dato Professor Joseph Adaikalam, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Sarah Ssali and Al‑Haj Habib Kagimu, Honorary Consul to Malaysia. Makerere University has started preliminary discussions with Binary University of Management and Entrepreneurship (Malaysia) to deepen its global partnerships through high-level engagements, aimed at fostering innovation-driven education, entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership, Main Building, 21st November 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

A New Chapter in Uganda–Malaysia Higher Education Collaboration

Makerere University has started preliminary discussions with Binary University of Management and Entrepreneurship (Malaysia) to deepen its global partnerships through high-level engagements, aimed at fostering innovation-driven education, entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership. Chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, the meeting explored a structured framework for collaboration that responds to Uganda’s urgent need for skills development, job creation, and industry-aligned learning.

This emerging partnership reflects a shared vision: to move beyond traditional academic models towards a practical, industry-integrated, and entrepreneurship-focused education system that equips graduates with real-world skills and global competitiveness.

Responding to Uganda’s Employment Challenge Through Entrepreneurship

“While chairing the meeting, Prof. Sarah Ssali noted that Makerere University and other Universities, together, currently graduate over 35,000 students annually, yet the private sector creates only about 700 new jobs per year. With an expanding population and intense job competition, where a single vacancy can attract over 4,000 applicants, the urgency for alternative employment pathways is clear.

Makerere’s Innovation Hub and Centre for Entrepreneurship have become critical pillars in addressing this challenge. Through platforms such as the Innovation Expo, now in its third edition and featuring over 600 student exhibitions, the university continues to nurture problem-solvers, innovators, and job creators. This ecosystem aligns strongly with Binary University’s entrepreneurial philosophy, making the Centre for Entrepreneurship a natural anchor point for collaboration.

Binary University’s Industry Specialist Professional (ISP) Model

Binary University brings a unique global model that directly integrates industry practitioners into the classroom. Its Industry Specialist Professional (ISP) programme, operational since 1999, ensures students graduate with skills tailored to specific industry needs. Industry experts with decades of practical experience teach across disciplines such as: Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy, Engineering, Film and Media Production to mention but a few.

“ With over 10,500 practising entrepreneurs in its ecosystem in Malaysia, Binary offers students direct mentorship and exposure to active business environments, ensuring graduates are not only employable but also entrepreneurial.” Tan Sri Dato Professor Joseph Adaikalam, the Executive Chairman and Founder, Binary University of Management and Entrepreneurship, noted.

Tan Sri Dato Professor Joseph Adaikalam signs the Vice Chancellor’s Visitor’s book. Makerere University has started preliminary discussions with Binary University of Management and Entrepreneurship (Malaysia) to deepen its global partnerships through high-level engagements, aimed at fostering innovation-driven education, entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership, Main Building, 21st November 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Tan Sri Dato Professor Joseph Adaikalam signs the Vice Chancellor’s Visitor’s book.

Key Areas of Proposed Collaboration

The discussions outlined a structured and scalable partnership model anchored on the following areas:

1. Dual and Joint Degree Programmes

  • 2+2 Joint Bachelor’s Degrees in specialised fields through an International Department structure.
  • 1+1 Joint Master’s Programmes including: MBA for Engineers, Renewable Energy MBA and Semiconductor MBA
  • Dual award systems to ensure international recognition and student mobility.

2. PhD and Staff Development Programmes

  • Winter/Summer PhD models in Renewable Energy and Waste Management
  • Nominated students to benefit from 50% tuition waivers
  • PhD pathways tailored for academic staff development

3. Executive Development Programmes (EDPs)

High-impact, short-term programmes targeting senior leaders, featuring joint certification with a focus on AI for CEOs, Global Issues & Entrepreneurship. These EDPs are designed to empower leaders with strategic insight into global trends, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Placing Women’s Leadership at the Centre

A key pillar of the proposed collaboration is engagement with Malaysia’s Centre for Women’s Leadership (CWL), which focuses on empowering women through entrepreneurship and gender compliance mechanisms.

Puan Sri Datin, Prof. Dr. Rohini Devi, the co-founder and Vice Chairman, Binary University, highlighted the unique opportunities this partnership presents for a Joint women’s leadership training initiative, feminist academic exchanges, gender-responsive entrepreneurship models and an initiative to strengthen Makerere’s Institute of Gender Studies as a regional hub.

This aligns with Malaysia’s progressive gender compliance policies for public funding and women’s leadership development, a model that holds strong relevance for African institutions.

Puan Sri Datin, Prof. Dr. Rohini Devi receives a souvenir from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Makerere University has started preliminary discussions with Binary University of Management and Entrepreneurship (Malaysia) to deepen its global partnerships through high-level engagements, aimed at fostering innovation-driven education, entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership, Main Building, 21st November 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Puan Sri Datin, Prof. Dr. Rohini Devi receives a souvenir from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

Learning from Regional and Global Best Practices

The meeting underscored valuable lessons from global contexts, including Nigeria’s model, where every graduate leaves with a practical vocational skill, Zambia’s Winter-Summer academic model with tuition waivers, Malaysia’s government investment in higher education and entrepreneurship

These case studies reinforce the need for practical skills as survival tools while graduates transition into formal employment or entrepreneurship.

A Win-Win Partnership for the Future

This collaboration is envisioned as a mutually beneficial model that complements Makerere’s academic strengths while leveraging Binary’s industry-driven approach. It will enhance student mobility, staff exchange, joint research, innovation transfer, and entrepreneurship development, all while maintaining strong quality assurance mechanisms.

As Makerere University continues to reimagine higher education in a rapidly changing world, this partnership signals a transformative shift towards globally competitive, innovation-led, and socially responsive learning systems.

With optimism and strategic intent, both institutions commit to open dialogue, structured implementation, and long-term impact. The Makerere-Binary partnership stands as a powerful example of how South-South collaboration can redefine education, accelerate entrepreneurship, and empower future leaders, especially women, for Africa’s development trajectory.

Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.

Caroline Kainomugisha
Caroline Kainomugisha

Continue Reading

General

Strengthening the Makerere–Nottingham Trent University Partnership: Building More Legs on a Stable Chair

Published

on

Prof. Sarah Ssali listening to the NTU delegation during the high-level meeting on 21st November 2025. Makerere University has hosts delegation from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) for high-level discussions focused on strengthening and expanding the long-standing collaboration between the two institutions. The team that was received by Prof. Sarah Ssali, 21st November 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

On 21st November, 2025, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, hosted a delegation from the Nottingham Trent University (NTU). The meeting underscored the need to re-model what purposeful, equitable and future-oriented international collaboration can look like between Universities. What began as a 15 year focused engagement in Public Health is set to evolve into a mature, multi-dimensional partnership guided by a shared commitment to knowledge exchange, cultural sensitivity, innovation and community transformation. With the current Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) running until 2028, now in its third iteration, both institutions are deliberately reimagining the next phase of collaboration, extending its impact over the next 15 years and beyond.

Prof. Sarah Ssali (4th Right) with Left to Right: Assoc. Prof. David Musoke, Ms. Mazeda Hossain, Mr. Mathias Ssemanda, Prof. Linda Gibson, Prof. Neil Mansfield, Dr. Damilola Omodara and Dr. Helen Karditsas after the courtesy call on 21st November 2025. Makerere University has hosts delegation from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) for high-level discussions focused on strengthening and expanding the long-standing collaboration between the two institutions. The team that was received by Prof. Sarah Ssali, 21st November 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (4th Right) with Left to Right: Assoc. Prof. David Musoke, Ms. Mazeda Hossain, Mr. Mathias Ssemanda, Prof. Linda Gibson, Prof. Neil Mansfield, Dr. Damilola Omodara and Dr. Helen Karditsas after the courtesy call on 21st November 2025.

Moving Beyond Public Health: A Broader Vision for Collaboration

While past collaborations have significantly advanced areas such as community health, microbial research, leadership among health managers and non-communicable diseases, the future partnership envisions a more diversified and resilient framework.

Prof. Neil Mansfield, the Executive Dean, Research and International Reputation, NTU, noted that this growth strategy is anchored in building additional “legs” onto the partnership chair; creating stability through cross-disciplinary engagement involving the School of Science and Technology, Department of Engineering, Business School, the Makerere University Gender Institute, and the creative arts at both Universities.

The expanded scope reflects a shared belief that sustainable development and innovation demand integrated approaches that bring together engineers, social scientists, anthropologists, business leaders, climate scientists and creatives among others disciplines.

Prof. Neil Mansfield sharing his remarks during the meeting. Makerere University has hosts delegation from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) for high-level discussions focused on strengthening and expanding the long-standing collaboration between the two institutions. The team that was received by Prof. Sarah Ssali, 21st November 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Neil Mansfield sharing his remarks during the meeting.

Equitable Partnership as a Guiding Principle

Both institutions reaffirmed the importance of equitable partnerships that prioritise shared ownership, mutual benefit and contextual relevance.

Prof. Linda Gisbon, Director, Global Public Health, NTU highlighted the importance of the shared ownership model for joint projects. She further noted that this approach has already gained scholarly recognition through published work advocating for afro-centric collaboration models, positioning the partnership as a benchmark for ethical international engagement.

The NTU–Makerere shared ownership model ensures that all projects are jointly created, jointly led and jointly benefitted from. Both institutions participate equally in decision-making, resource management, knowledge generation and dissemination, ensuring the partnership strengthens capacity on both sides rather than reproducing unequal power dynamics.(Gibson et al., 2023)

Left to Right: Prof. Neil Mansfield, Dr. Helen Karditsas, Dr. Damilola Omodara and Prof. Linda Gibson. Makerere University has hosts delegation from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) for high-level discussions focused on strengthening and expanding the long-standing collaboration between the two institutions. The team that was received by Prof. Sarah Ssali, 21st November 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Right: Prof. Neil Mansfield, Dr. Helen Karditsas, Dr. Damilola Omodara and Prof. Linda Gibson.

Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurial Readiness

Dr. Hellen Karditsas, a senior lecturer at NTU, extensively shared about a possible flagship proposal which could be integrated within the expanded collaboration.

“NTU’s Engineering Challenge is an intensive three-week program engaging first- and second-year students in real-world product development. Students, supported by academic staff, conceptualise solutions, develop business models and transform ideas into market-ready products.” She noted.

Dr. Hellen, concluded by sharing that the Challenge engages students and staff from disciplines such as Mechanical, Electrical, Sport, Biomedical and Aerospace Engineering, this initiative exposes participants to the full innovation ecosystem, nurturing a generation of engineering entrepreneurs equipped for both industry and enterprise.

Prof. Sarah Ssali complimented the conversation when she noted, the growing interest in anthropological engineering and vernacular architecture – an interdisciplinary lens that examines how cultural practices and people’s way of life shapes their construction techniques and designs.

She further noted that, by recognising that “development is anti-people” when detached from lived realities, this partnership should seek to integrate cultural sensitivity into infrastructure design, ensuring that modernisation aligns with community needs and values.

Prof. Sarah Ssali sharing her remarks during the meeting. Makerere University has hosts delegation from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) for high-level discussions focused on strengthening and expanding the long-standing collaboration between the two institutions. The team that was received by Prof. Sarah Ssali, 21st November 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali sharing her remarks during the meeting.

Expanding into Arts, Design and Creative Industries

Another strategic leg of the partnership is strengthening ties between NTU and Makerere’s School of Performing Arts and Film. Plans include equipment-sharing initiatives, joint creative labs and collaborative production spaces aimed at enhancing capacity, storytelling and community engagement through visual and performing arts. These collaborations will also support public health communication through creative multimedia approaches and capacity building.

During the meeting, Makerere University Press partnerships and writing summer schools were also proposed to nurture scholarly publishing, academic writing and creative expression, further strengthening intellectual exchange between the two institutions.

Future projects will continue to integrate sociologists, anthropologists and social scientists to shape interventions that are not only technically sound but socially responsive and culturally aware.

Industry Linkages and Global Networks

Recognising the importance of industry engagement, the partnership seeks to connect with British-owned companies operating in Uganda as well as Ugandan enterprises with footprints in the UK. These linkages will enable practical learning opportunities, internships, applied research and joint innovation ventures.

Exchange visits for business students will also be prioritised to foster global exposure, entrepreneurial thinking and cross-cultural competence, equipping students to operate in increasingly interconnected economies.

Dr. David Musoke, NTU-MAK Partnership Lead (Uganda). Makerere University has hosts delegation from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) for high-level discussions focused on strengthening and expanding the long-standing collaboration between the two institutions. The team that was received by Prof. Sarah Ssali, 21st November 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. David Musoke, NTU-MAK Partnership Lead (Uganda).

A Partnership for the Future

The future Makerere–NTU collaboration will be defined by diversity, scalability and shared vision. By pulling together multiple schools and centres from Business and Natural Sciences to Engineering, Gender Studies and the Creative Arts the partnership is positioned to evolve into a holistic, long-term platform for knowledge production, innovation and people-centred development.

As both institutions reaffirm their commitment to constructive dialogue, joint planning and continuous evaluation, this partnership stands as a testament to how international cooperation can move beyond transactional engagement into transformative, sustainable impact.

In building more legs onto the partnership chair, Makerere University and Nottingham Trent University are not only strengthening institutional ties – they are shaping a resilient model for global academic collaboration that is equitable, agile and firmly rooted in shared purpose.

Reference;

Gibson, L., Ikhile, D., Nyashanu, M. & Musoke, D., 2023. Health promotion research in international settings: A shared ownership approach for North-South partnerships. In: L. Potvin & D. Jourdan, eds. Global Handbook of Health Promotion Research. Vol. 3: Doing Health Promotion Research. Cham: Springer International Publishing, pp.263-272.

Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.

Caroline Kainomugisha
Caroline Kainomugisha

Continue Reading

General

Makerere University Hosts Delegation from Nottingham Trent University to Deepen Collaborative Ties

Published

on

Prof. Sarah Ssali (4th Right) with Left to Right: Assoc. Prof. David Musoke, Ms. Mazeda Hossain, Mr. Mathias Ssemanda, Prof. Linda Gibson, Prof. Neil Mansfield, Dr. Damilola Omodara and Dr. Helen Karditsas after the courtesy call on 21st November 2025. Makerere University has hosts delegation from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) for high-level discussions focused on strengthening and expanding the long-standing collaboration between the two institutions. The team that was received by Prof. Sarah Ssali, 21st November 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University has hosted a delegation from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) for high-level discussions focused on strengthening and expanding the long-standing collaboration between the two institutions. The team that was received by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs was led by Prof. Neil Mansfield, the Executive Dean for Research and International Reputation, accompanied by Dr. Helen Karditsas, a senior lecturer in the Department of Engineering; Prof. Linda Gibson from Global Public Health at NTU; Ms. Mazeda Hossain, Director of the Eastern Africa Centre; and Dr. Damilola Omodara, Senior Lecturer in Public Health.

For over fifteen years, NTU has maintained a strong partnership with the Makerere University School of Public Health, working in areas such as community health, leadership development among health managers, and research on non-communicable diseases. This collaboration has supported student mobility, staff exchanges, and joint research initiatives that have contributed significantly to capacity building on both sides.

Left to Right: Prof. Neil Mansfield, Dr. Helen Karditsas, Dr. Damilola Omodara and Prof. Linda Gibson. Makerere University has hosts delegation from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) for high-level discussions focused on strengthening and expanding the long-standing collaboration between the two institutions. The team that was received by Prof. Sarah Ssali, 21st November 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Right: Prof. Neil Mansfield, Dr. Helen Karditsas, Dr. Damilola Omodara and Prof. Linda Gibson.

During the meeting, the NTU team expressed readiness to broaden this relationship beyond public health, noting that the existing achievements offer a strong foundation for expansion. Their vision is to build an interdisciplinary collaboration that brings together multiple colleges and fields of expertise, including engineering, environmental sciences, business, arts, and digital media. The team emphasized that diverse academic partnerships offer more stability and create wider opportunities for innovation, student training, and impactful research.

NTU is now seeking to establish a broader, university-wide Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will enable the two institutions to explore a wider range of synergies across disciplines. This approach is expected to make future collaborations more flexible, allowing different units to initiate joint projects, exchange programs, and research activities under one institutional framework.

Prof. Sarah Ssali. Makerere University has hosts delegation from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) for high-level discussions focused on strengthening and expanding the long-standing collaboration between the two institutions. The team that was received by Prof. Sarah Ssali, 21st November 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali.

Prof. Ssali welcomed the delegation and affirmed Makerere University’s commitment to deepening partnerships that strengthen teaching, research, and community engagement. She noted that an interdisciplinary model is essential for addressing emerging global challenges, and highlighted opportunities in areas such as climate science, engineering innovation, creative arts, and publishing.

The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to position Makerere University as a hub for impactful global collaborations that advance academic excellence and societal transformation.

Eve Nakyanzi

Continue Reading

Trending